Methods for making composite hydrogels for corneal prostheses
US5836313A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/10
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods for forming implantable composite keratoprostheses are provided. The methods provide keratoprostheses designed to provide a suitable substrate for corneal epithelial cell growth while maintaining the desirable characteristics of hydrogels, i.e., clarity, flexibility and the ability to allow diffusive flow of nutrients. In a preferred embodiment the method includes placing corneal tissue in a mold having a corneal implant shape and crosslinking a polymeric solution to chemically bond a biocompatible hydrogel having a thickness between approximately 50 and 100 microns to the corneal tissue to form the keratoprosthesis. Upon implantation, the corneal tissue abuts epithelial cells surrounding the keratoprosthesis. In another preferred embodiment, a polymer solution is placed between the corneal tissue and a pre-formed hydrogel and then polymerized so that the polymer solution couples to both the hydrogel and the corneal tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.